Kenneth F. Ormsby

Kenneth F. Ormsby ended his earthly journey on May 29, 2011, at the age of 75, following a lengthy, valiant battle with cancer. His endurance of this awful disease left many, including some in the medical profession, incredulous, at the will and strength he showed through the 9½ years. Ken was born in Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, January 17, 1936. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lucile; his first wife, mother of his children, Noreen; and one son, Brian, as well as three brothers, Donald, Billy and Michael. He is survived by the love of his life, Lucy, whom he met through a mutual acquaintance (It was the first (and last) blind date for each of them; daughter, Laura Ormsby Summerville (Phil), and son, David (Stefka), all of Tucson and granddaughters, Tabitha and Brianna; and his great-grandson, Adrian. Also, step-children, Heidi Steving, Tucson and Ryan Steving (Karrie), Queen Creek, AZ, as well as step-grandchildren, Marcus, Jason, Caleb and Caitlin Steving. His sister-in-law, Dorothy Ormsby of New Lenox, IL and sister, Kay Walsh, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as nieces and nephews in Tucson, New Mexico and Illinois; sister-in-law, Velma Post and Elaine Tangbakken, both of Longmont, CO, Karen Albrecht (Don) Colorado Springs, CO, and brother-in-law, John Boedeker (Linda) San Antonio, TX. He leaves many friends and former associates in his career in Tucson as well. Also, desperate for her very best buddy, is Buttons, our adopted Shepherd mix. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958. Prior to moving to Tucson from the Chicago area 32 years ago, he worked for Electric Motors in the Train Division as a Machinist and Wescom as an Electronic Technician. In Tucson he worked construction, as a laborer for roofing and concrete companies and at Creative Learning Systems as a Mental Health Technician. At the age of 52, he took it upon himself to begin college. Graduated from Pima Community College and transferred to NAU where he obtained a bachelors degree in Exercise Physiology, graduating at the ripe age of 56. From then on, he loved his work. He worked at Nova Care in their Work Hardening program for a number of years. Then worked as a consultant with the Pascua Yaqui Indian Tribe, running the exercise program for the diabetic program. He'd truly found his calling. He was a quiet man, saying often, if someone commented on the quiet, that 'you don't learn anything when you're talking'. Well he'd learned a lot. And he did enjoy sharing what he'd learned about the benefits of exercise. He coached his sons in baseball, football, and boxing. He was always ready fro 'walk and talk' with his children when things were looking bleak to one or the other of them. Ken was truly a beacon in the world, quiet, exuding calm, strength and compassion. He was member of Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church. The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses who had a part in his care over the years, but especially TMC hospice Kathy, Lisa, Judy, as well as to those volunteers, Tamara and Pamela. You've made an indelible impression in our hearts. Also, our thanks to Mary and Will Gokey, Betty Whaples, Beth Hoover, Dave and Joann Smith and Jerry Dobers for your loving help in the time of need. Services to be held at Stream in the Desert Lutheran Church, Tucson, AZ on Friday, June 3, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Cremation by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.